U.S. patent application number 10/321138 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-08 for patient support apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Brenner, John A., Mensching, Kerry Jean, Salvatini, Benjamin, Smith, Kenneth Ray.
Application Number | 20030084511 10/321138 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24200542 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030084511 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salvatini, Benjamin ; et
al. |
May 8, 2003 |
Patient support apparatus and method
Abstract
A pediatric mattress that includes a sleep surface and a
perimeter. The perimeter includes a cavity that is configured to
receive the sleep surface. The perimeter also has at least one
opening disposed into a chamber positioned within same. The opening
is configured such that a gas may flow from the chamber through the
opening and over the sleep surface. In addition, the pediatric
mattress may include a percussion therapy system. The percussion
therapy system includes an audio generator and at least one
speaker. The speaker is connected to the audio-signal generator and
is configured to produce and direct audio signals to the sleep
surface.
Inventors: |
Salvatini, Benjamin;
(Summerville, SC) ; Smith, Kenneth Ray;
(Charleston, SC) ; Brenner, John A.; (Goose Creek,
SC) ; Mensching, Kerry Jean; (Mt. Pleasant,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Intellectual Property Group
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
2700 First Indiana Plaza
135 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
24200542 |
Appl. No.: |
10/321138 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10321138 |
Dec 16, 2002 |
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09551266 |
Apr 18, 2000 |
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6493888 |
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10321138 |
Dec 16, 2002 |
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09604208 |
Jun 27, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/423 ;
5/706 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/05769 20130101;
A61G 7/05715 20130101; Y10S 5/904 20130101; A61G 1/00 20130101;
A61G 7/05784 20161101; A61G 7/057 20130101; A61G 7/001 20130101;
A61G 7/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/423 ;
5/706 |
International
Class: |
A47C 021/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of providing a sanitary mattress, including the steps
of: providing a mattress body; coupling a low-air-loss sleep
surface to the mattress body; decoupling the sleep surface from the
mattress body after use; and discarding the sleep surface.
2. The method of claim 1, further including the step of coupling a
second low-air-loss sleep surface to the mattress body after
completing the decoupling step.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the mattress body includes a
cavity for receiving the sleep surface.
4. The method of claim 3, further including the step of installing
a bladder in the cavity to support the sleep surface.
5. The method of claim 3, further including the step of installing
at least two rotational bladders in the cavity to support the sleep
surface.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the bladders are configured to be
selectively inflated and deflated to provide rotational therapy to
a patient on the sleep surface.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the mattress body includes a gas
outlet to direct gas flow over the sleep surface.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the mattress body includes a
perimeter, the sleep surface being coupled to and decoupled from
the perimeter.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the coupling step includes the
step of forming a substantially continuous connection between a
periphery of the sleep surface and the mattress body.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sleep surface includes a
plurality of holes configured to permit gas flow through a surface
of the sleep surface.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the coupling step includes the
step of attaching the sleep surface to the mattress body at a
location below an opening formed in the mattress body for directing
gas flow over the sleep surface.
12. A method of providing a disposable mattress, including the
steps of: coupling a first sleep surface to a perimeter of a
mattress; permitting a person to contact the first sleep surface;
decoupling the first sleep surface from the perimeter; discarding
the first sleep surface; and coupling a second sleep surface to the
perimeter.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the mattress includes a cavity
formed by a wall of the perimeter, the step of coupling the first
sleep surface including the step of placing the first sleep surface
into the cavity, and the step of coupling the second sleep surface
including the step of placing the second sleep surface into the
cavity.
14. The method of claim 13, further including the step of
installing a bladder in the cavity to support the first and the
second sleep surfaces.
15. The method of claim 13, further including the step of
installing at least two rotational bladders in the cavity to
support the first and the second sleep surfaces.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the bladders are configured to
be selectively inflated and deflated to provide rotational therapy
to a patient on the mattress.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the mattress includes a gas
outlet to direct gas flow over the first and the second sleep
surfaces.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of coupling the first
sleep surface includes the step of forming a substantially
continuous connection between a periphery of the first sleep
surface and the perimeter, and the step of coupling the second
sleep surface includes the step of forming a substantially
continuous connection between a periphery of the second sleep
surface and the perimeter.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the first and the
second sleep surfaces includes a plurality of holes configured to
permit gas flow through a respective surface of the first and the
second sleep surfaces.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of coupling the first
sleep surface includes the step of attaching the first sleep
surface to the perimeter at a location below an opening formed in
the mattress for directing gas flow over the first sleep surface,
and the step of coupling the second sleep surface includes the step
of attaching the second sleep surface to the perimeter at a
location below the opening.
21. A method of maintaining a sanitary condition of a mattress
having a gas outlet for directing gas flow toward a person using
the mattress, the method including the steps of: attaching a sleep
surface to the mattress at a location that permits gas flow over
the sleep surface; permitting a person to contact the sleep
surface; detaching the sleep surface from the mattress after the
person contacts the sleep surface; discarding the sleep surface;
and attaching another sleep surface to the mattress.
22. A method of maintaining a sanitary condition of a mattress
including the steps of: providing a first support structure;
coupling a second support structure to the first support structure,
the second support structure being configured to support a person;
detaching the second support structure from the first support
structure after the second support structure is used to support a
person; and discarding the second support structure.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the second support structure is
made of a resilient material.
Description
RELATED PATENTS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/551,266, filed on Apr. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,493,888, and a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/604,208, filed on Jun. 27, 2000, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a mattress. More
particularly, the present invention relates to pediatric mattresses
and mattresses for patient supports configured to support a patient
positioned on a mattress.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Patient supports are often used during treatment or recovery
of a patient in a care facility. Patient supports typically
includes a bedframe having a deck and a mattress positioned on the
deck to support the patient.
[0004] Ventilated mattresses and percussion therapy are known in
the art. Ventilating beds typically consist of a multi-chambered
inflatable mattress that vents air through holes provided on its
top surface. These holes allow air to escape while an air source
continually supplies and maintains the desired amount of inflation
to the mattress. This escaping air creates an environment that
keeps a patient's skin cool, dry and comfortable.
[0005] The present invention provides percussion/audio therapy to a
patient in combination with an inflatable air mattress. In
addition, the present invention provides a bed that directs a gas
and/or audio frequencies to the patient from a variety of
directions.
[0006] According to the present invention, a mattress includes a
sleep surface and a perimeter having a cavity configured to receive
the sleep surface and at least one gas outlet located adjacent the
cavity. The gas outlet is configured to be coupled to a gas supply
to direct gas flow from the gas outlet over the sleep surface.
[0007] In one illustrated embodiment, the perimeter includes an
inner wall defining the cavity. The perimeter is formed to include
an internal chamber having at least one opening extending between
the chamber and the inner wall to define the at least one gas
outlet. The chamber is configured to be coupled to the gas supply
so that the gas is directed through the chamber and the at least
one opening and over the sleep surface. Illustratively, the sleep
surface is configured to be coupled to the inner wall of the
perimeter at a location below the at least one opening.
[0008] Also in an illustrated embodiment, a spacer is located
within the cavity. The spacer is configured to define first and
second bladder cavities. First and second bladders are located in
the first and second bladder cavities, respectively, for supporting
the sleep surface. The first and second bladders are configured to
be selectively inflated and deflated to provide rotational therapy
to a patient on the sleep surface.
[0009] Also according to the present invention, a mattress includes
a sleep surface, a perimeter having a cavity configured to receive
the sleep surface, and at least one speaker positioned adjacent the
sleep surface. The speaker is configured to direct a desired
therapy wave signal to the sleep surface. In the illustrated
embodiment, the mattress also includes an audio signal generator
coupled to the at least one speaker to supply percussion/vibration
therapy to a patient or to play music to be heard by the patient on
the sleep surface.
[0010] According to the present invention, a mattress is provided
for use on a deck of a bed. The mattress includes a sleep surface
or cover, a first cushion, and a second cushion. The cover includes
a side wall defining an interior region of the cover. The first
cushion is integral with the side wall of the cover and the second
cushion is positioned in the interior region of the cover.
[0011] According to preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the mattress further includes an inner wall and the cover includes
an outer wall coupled to the inner wall to define the first cushion
which is inflatable. The outer wall of the cover includes an
opening configured to receive the second cushion to permit a
caregiver to insert the second cushion through the opening into the
interior region of the cover. The mattress further includes a
fastener that extends through the opening to couple the second
cushion to the deck of the bed. The second cushion includes a layer
of three dimensional engineered material.
[0012] Additional features of the invention will become apparent to
those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following
detailed description exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the
invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention will be described with reference to
the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples
only, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pediatric mattress
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pediatric
mattress of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional end view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the
pediatric mattress according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pediatric mattress
according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the pediatric
mattress of FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a stretcher for use with a
proning bed having a perimeter frame, a multi-panel deck, and a
disposable mattress section;
[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the mattress section of FIG. 1
showing the mattress section including a lower cushion positioned
over two panels of the deck and an upper mattress positioned over
the lower cushion; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of
FIG. 8 showing the lower cushion positioned.
[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The drawings set out herein are
illustrative embodiments of the invention, and such embodiments are
not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention relates to a mattress. In one
emobidment, the present invention relates to a pediatric air
mattress. The pediatric mattress is of any conventional size to fit
on a variety of cribs and/or child beds. In one embodiment, the
mattress is configured to provide a cross air flow over a sleep
surface of the mattress. In addition, the sleep surface itself is a
low-air-loss surface providing air flow directed from the surface
to the patient. It is appreciated that the mattress herein
described, may be used for any variety of applications beyond just
as a pediatric mattress. A low-air-loss mattress allows air to
escape from its surface underneath the patient. This creates a
drier environment under the patient helping to prevent maceration
which is one causative factor in pressure ulcer development. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the mattress is configured to
include a percussion therapy system to assist in pulmonary
cleansing and comfort. The audio or sound resulting from the
percussion therapy system is directed through the sleep surface to
the patient. Alternatively, the sound is directed into the cross
air flow and over the sleep surface to the patient. In this
embodiment, the percussion therapy system is integrated into the
mattress.
[0025] A pediatric mattress according to one embodiment of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Mattress 1 comprises a body
having a perimeter 2 forming the border structure of mattress 1. A
sleep surface 4 is fitted within perimeter 2. Sleep surface 4 is
illustratively an inflatable bed and the portion of mattress 1 that
supports a patient 5. (See FIG. 3.) In the illustrated embodiment,
a plurality of air holes 6 are positioned in perimeter 2 above
sleep surface 4. Holes 6 are configured to direct air flow and/or
audio frequencies over sleep surface 4 to patient 5. It is
appreciated that any number of holes can be used to create the air
flow or the cross air flow. The cross air flow direction is
indicated by reference number 32 in FIG. 3.
[0026] An exploded view of mattress 1 is shown in FIG. 2. In the
illustrated embodiment, perimeter 2 comprises an inner periphery
wall 8, an outer periphery wall 10, a deck 11, a base 12, a spacer
14, and bladder cavities 16 and 16'. Inner periphery wall 8 extends
upwardly from base 12 and is generally complimentary to the outer
shape of sleep surface 4. Outer periphery wall 10 forms the outer
boundary of perimeter 2 and is illustratively sized and configured
to fit any conventional crib or support. Deck 11 is a top surface
extending between the inner and outer periphery walls 8 and 10. A
core 18 illustratively provides the body of perimeter 2, as shown
in FIG. 3. Core 18 is made from a suitable material such as foam,
rubber or other material. It is appreciated, however, that core 18
may be replaced by an inflatable body if desired.
[0027] Core 18 is positioned on base 12 that supports pediatric
mattress 1. Base 12 spans the area of mattress 1 and is made of any
suitable material such as metal, wood, or plastic. Perimeter 2
forms a sleep surface cavity 22. In the illustrative embodiment
spacer 14 is positioned within cavity 22 and extends lengthwise
therein. Spacer 14 serves several purposes including adding
structural support to perimeter 2, separating bladders 24 and 24'
and serving as a receptacle for speaker 28 from the percussion
therapy system discussed in further detail herein. The spacer 14 is
illustratively made from the same materials as core 18. In the
illustrated embodiment, spacer 14 separates cavity 22 into first
and second bladder cavities 16 and 16'. Bladder cavities 16 and 16'
are configured to receive first and second bladders 24 and 24',
respectively, as best shown in FIG. 3.
[0028] Cross air flow is created by passing air over sleep surface
4. To accomplish this, holes 6 are disposed through inner periphery
wall 8. Each hole 6 extends through core 18 into air chamber 29, as
best shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment air chamber 29 is provided
within the entire perimeter body 2. (See FIG. 3) Supply tube 30,
supplies air from an air source to chamber 29 which is then
expelled through air holes 6 as indicated by air directional flow
arrows 32. Illustratively, multiple air tubes 30 may be used and be
transversely positioned to create an even cross flow of air over
sleep surface 4.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, spacer 14 partitions cavity
22 into first and second bladder cavities 16 and 16' as previously
discussed. First and second inflatable bladders 24 and 24' are
configured to be received in cavities 16 and 16', respectively, and
support sleep surface 4. Illustratively, bladders 24 and 24' are
filled with a gas to provide the necessary support. Supply tubes 34
and 34' deliver air to bladders 24 and 24', respectively, to either
fill, maintain, or change the level of support. It will be
appreciated that any number of bladders may be used to support
sleep surface 4. This includes providing one or more bladders that
fill the entire area of sleep cavity 20. It is also appreciated
that bladders 24 and 24' may be filled with substances other than
air. Bladders 24 and 24' may be filled with a foam, gel, or even
particulates. Bladders 24 and 24' are illustratively configured to
be held loosely in cavities 16 and 16', respectively. In another
embodiment, the bladders 24 and 24' are fastened into cavities 16
and 16' by any conventional means including Velcro, zippers or an
adhesive.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, a speaker receptacle 35 is
formed at a central location along spacer 14. Receptacle 35 is
configured to receive and position a speaker 28 so that the speaker
28 directs audio to patient 5. (see FIG. 3.) It will be appreciated
that speaker 28 may be a plurality of speakers positioned anywhere
along spacer 14, periphery wall 8, and bladder cavity 16 and/or
16'. In addition, the speaker 28 may be positioned and configured
such that it directs an audio-frequency through air holes 6 to
sleep surface 4. In one illustrative embodiment, speaker 28 is
connected to an audio-frequency generator (not shown) via speaker
wire 36. Wire 36 is configured to allow the audio-frequency
generator be either an integral part of mattress 1 or a separate
unit. It is appreciated that the audio-frequency generator may be
of any conventional type including, but not limited to, a digital
audio signal generator, a compact disc or cassette tape player, or
a phonograph.
[0031] Sleep surface 4 in the illustrated embodiment is positioned
within cavity 20 and placed over top of bladders 24, 24' and spacer
14. As shown in FIG. 3, the weight of patient 5 lying on sleep
surface 4 creates a downward force that may compress bladders 24
and 24'. Mattress 1 is configured such that bladders 24 and 24'
compress to a point substantially adjacent spacer 14. It is
appreciated, however, that sleep surface 4 does not have to be
positioned adjacent speaker 28 for same to work properly. In
another illustrative embodiment, sleep surface 4 includes a zipper
52 and zipper teeth 54 attached at its outer periphery, with
corresponding zipper teeth 56 attached to inner wall 8, as shown in
FIG. 2. This arrangement allows sleep surface 4 to be secured to
mattress 1, yet be easily removed to allow sleep surface 4 to be
replaced or to gain access to bladders 24, 24' and/or speaker 28.
It is appreciated that sleep surface 4 may be attached to mattress
1 by any conventional means including, but not limited to, Velcro,
ties, or an adhesive. The sleep surface 4 itself is illustratively
an air filled bladder, a multi-chambered bladder, or a series
bladders.
[0032] Sleep surface 4 in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6 is shown as
multi-chambered bladders having a corrugated design 58. It is
appreciated that sleep surface 4 may be of any conventional design.
Illustratively, sleep surface 4 is a low-air-loss sleep surface. In
this embodiment, a plurality of holes (not shown), illustratively
about 30 microns in diameter, are disposed through at least one
side of said surface, typically the top surface 9. Air is thus
allowed to slowly escape sleep surface 4 creating a zone of moving
air about the patient. An inflator (not shown) is coupled to sleep
surface 4 to replenish the lost air and to adjust the firmness of
the surface. In addition, speaker 28 may be positioned to direct
sound through said holes to patient 5 to assist the percussion
therapy.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, air is alternately supplied
to and removed from bladders 24 and 24' to provide rotational
therapy to the patient on the sleep surface 4. Illustratively,
sleep surface 4 may be unzipped from the perimeter 2 and disposed
of after each use. This eliminates the need to sanitize the sleep
surface 4 after each use. Speaker 28 provides percussion/vibration
therapy to the patient on the sleep surface 4. In addition, music
may be played through the speaker 28. This eliminates the need for
separate accessory equipment to provide rhythmic sounds for comfort
and stimulation of the patient.
[0034] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
4. Pediatric mattress 38, according to this embodiment, comprises a
perimeter 39 that forms the outer body of mattress 38. A sleep
surface 4 is fitted in perimeter 39. In this illustrated
embodiment, perimeter 39 is a border structure comprising an inner
periphery wall 40, an outer periphery wall 42, a deck 44, and a
base 12, as well as a spacer 14, and bladder cavities 16 and 16'
similar to the previous embodiment. This embodiment, however,
differs from the previous embodiment in that there are no gas holes
disposed through inner periphery wall 40 and no channel provided
within core 48. Inner periphery wall 40 extends upwardly from base
12 and is generally the shape of sleep surface 4. Outer periphery
wall 42 forms the outer boundary of perimeter 39 and can be
illustratively sized and configured to fit any conventional crib or
support, like the previous embodiment. Deck 44 includes an upper
surface that is formed parallel to sleep surface 4 and positioned
adjacent both inner and outer periphery walls 40 and 42. Inner
periphery wall 40, outer periphery wall 42 and deck 44 maintain
their shape by being formed over a core 48 that is the shape of
perimeter 39. As with core 18, core 48 is made from any suitable
material such as foam, rubber or other material.
[0035] Core 48 is positioned on base 12 that supports pediatric
mattress 38. Illustratively, base 12 spans the area of mattress 38
and is made of any suitable material, such as metal, wood, or
plastic. Perimeter 39 forms a sleep surface cavity 22, similar to
the previous embodiment. Spacer 14 is illustratively positioned
within cavity 22 and extends lengthwise therein. As with the
previous embodiment, spacer 14 also serves several purposes,
including adding structural support to perimeter 14, separating
bladders 24 and 24', and serving as a receptacle for speaker 28
from the percussion therapy system. Like the previous embodiment,
it will be appreciated that spacer 14 is illustratively made from
the same material as core 18. In the illustrated embodiment, spacer
14 separates cavity 22 into first and second bladder cavities 16
and 16'. Bladder cavities 16 and 16' are configured to receive
first and second bladders 24 and 24', as best shown in FIG. 4.
[0036] A further embodiment of the present invention includes a
pediatric mattress fitted within a border 50, as shown in FIGS. 5
and 6. Illustratively, either mattress 1 or 38 can be configured to
fit within border 50. Border 50 is itself configured to provide
additional length and/or width to either mattress 1 or 38 to allow
the mattress to be fitted in a larger crib or a larger bed frame.
Illustratively, border 50 comprises an inner wall 62, an outer wall
64, and a top surface 66 extending between adjacent inner and outer
walls 62 and 64. A core (not shown) provides the body structure for
border 50 similar to cores 18 and 46 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
respectively. The core of border 50 is illustratively made from the
same type of material as cores 18 and 46. In the illustrated
embodiment, perimeter 2 includes a zipper 68 and zipper teeth 70
attached at its outer periphery, with corresponding zipper teeth 72
attached to inner wall 66, as shown in FIG. 6. This arrangement
allows perimeter 2 to be secured to border 50. It will be
appreciated that perimeter 2 may be attached to border 50 by any
conventional means including, but not limited to, Velcro, ties, or
an adhesive. In addition, the border 50 may simply be placed over
the perimeter 2 without any fasteners.
[0037] Illustratively, perimeter 2 is fitted into border 50 such
that deck 11 is positioned in substantially the same plane as top
surface 66, as shown in FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment,
zipper teeth 70 are provided adjacent deck 11 and outer wall 10,
and zipper teeth 72 are provided about inner wall 62. The
vertically oriented positioning of zipper teeth 72 determines the
relative difference in height, if any, between deck 11 and top
surface deck 66.
[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, a portable
bed or stretcher 110 is shown in FIG. 7. Stretcher 110 includes a
mattress support section 111 and a disposable mattress section 112
positioned over mattress support section 111 so that mattress
section 112 can be coupled to mattress support section 111 of
stretcher 110 by a care provider. After use, a disposable portion
of mattress section 112 is discarded and other portion of mattress
section 112 is reused with a new disposable portion.
[0039] Stretcher 110 may be coupled to a proning bed (not shown).
The proning bed rotates the stretcher 110 and the patient
positioned thereon so that the patient is moved between upwardly
and downwardly facing positions or any position therebetween.
Mattress support section 111 includes a perimeter fram 114 and a
series of panels 116 pivotally coupled to perimeter frame 114 by a
series of hinges 118 and latches 119 to define a deck 121. When the
patient is in the downwardly facing position, one or more of panels
116 may then be opened by moving the respective latches 119 and by
moving panels 116 about their respective hinges 118. Opening the
panels 116 permits access to the patient's back without removing
stretcher 110 from its position on top of the patient. A
description of a suitable proning bed is provided in PCT
Application No. PCT/US99/14525, the disclosure of which is
expressly incorporated by reference herein. Mattress section 112
may also be used with other bed configurations.
[0040] Stretcher 110 further includes additional mattress sections
(not shown) similar to mattress section 112 so that stretcher 110
provides a resilient support surface for a person positioned on
stretcher 110. As shown in FIG. 8, mattress section 112 includes a
lower reusable mattress portion or cushion 120 and an upper
disposable mattress portion or sleep surface 122 that is positioned
over lower cushion 120. As shown in FIG. 9, sleep surface 122
covers around lower cushion 120 so that sleep surface 122 covers
lower cushion 120. According to the presently preferred embodiment
of the present disclosure, sleep surface 122 is inflatable.
According to alternative embodiments of the disclosure, sleep
surface 122 includes foam or another resilient material.
[0041] Before mattress section 112 is coupled to panel 116, sleep
surface 122 is wrapped around lower cushion 120. Mattress section
112 is then coupled to panel 116 to provide support for a patient
positioned therein. After the patient is removed from stretcher
110, mattress section 112 is removed from panel 116 and lower
cushion 120 is removed from within sleep surface 122. Sleep surface
122 is then disposed. However, lower cushion 120 is retained and
cleaned and a substantially identical sleep surface 122 is
positioned over lower cushion 120 so that mattress section 112 can
be used for the next patient.
[0042] To position mattress section 112 on panels 116, a care
provider first positions lower cushion 120 within sleep surface
122. After lower cushion 120 is securely positioned in sleep
surface 122, a pair of fasteners 136 coupled to both lower cushion
120 and panel 116 are snapped together. Because lower cushion 120
is now secured to panel 116 and sleep surface 122 is wrapped around
lower cushion 120, sleep surface 122 is secured to mattress section
support 111.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 8-9, lower cushion 120 includes a bottom
layer of foam 124, an intermediate layer of foam 126, and a top
layer of foam 128 positioned on top of intermediate layer of foam
126. The stiffness or ILD of layers 124, 126, 128 increases from
top to bottom so that top layer 128 is the softest layer of foam
and bottom layer of foam 124 is the stiffest layer of foam. Thus,
lower cushion 120 has a stiffness gradient that increases with its
depth.
[0044] Lower cushion 120 further includes a layer of
three-dimensional engineered material 130 positioned on top of top
layer of foam 128. Layer of engineered material 130 is made of a
fiber network formed to include a base 131 and a plurality of
resilient hollow projections 133 shaped as truncated cones as
shown, for example, in FIG. 9. Further description of a suitable
three-dimensional engineered material is provided in U.S. Pat. No.
5,731,062, issued Mar. 24, 1998 to Kim et al. and U.S. Pat. No.
6,269,504, issued Aug. 7, 2001 to Romano et al., the disclosures of
which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. Lower cushion
120 further includes a layer of fireguard 132 extending around the
perimeter of bottom, intermediate, and top layers of foam 124, 126,
128 and layer of engineered material 130 as shown, for example, in
FIG. 8.
[0045] Lower cushion 120 also includes a wipable ticking material
134 that covers bottom, intermediate, and top layers of foam 124,
126, 128, layer of engineered material 130, and fireguard 132 as
shown for example in FIGS. 8-9. After each use, ticking material
134 is cleaned by a care giver so that it is sanitized for its next
use.
[0046] Each fastener 136 is preferably a snap and includes an upper
portion 138 coupled to ticking material 134 of lower cushion 120
and a lower portion 140 coupled to panel 116. To couple lower
cushion 120 to panel 116, a user snaps upper portions 138 of
fasteners 136 to lower portions 140 of fasteners 136 as shown, for
example, in FIG. 9.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 9, sleep surface 122 includes an outer wall
142, an inner wall 144, a plurality of baffles 146 that extend
between inner and outer walls 142, 144, and a nozzle 147 coupled to
outer wall 142. The perimeter of inner wall 144 is welded to outer
wall 142 to define a bladder or upper cushion 148. When inflated,
bladder 148 provides support for a person positioned on mattress
section 112. Bladder 148 is inflated using a source of pressurized
air (not shown) coupled to nozzle 147. Bladder 148 may be inflated
before or after the insertion of lower cushion 120 into sleep
surface 122. Top wall 152 includes a series of microvents 159 that
permit a predetermined amount of air to leak out of bladder 148 so
that bladder 148 is a low air loss bladder. Preferably, top wall
152 includes twelve microvents 159 having a diameter of 0.030
inches when sleep surface 122 is inflated to a pressure ranging
from 0-18 inches of water.
[0048] According to the preferred embodiment, six baffles 146
define seven pockets 149 in bladder 148. According to alternative
embodiments, fewer or more baffles are provided to divide the
bladder into fewer or more pockets. According to the presently
preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, baffles 146 and
inner wall 144 are made of a 5 millimeter urethane material.
[0049] Outer wall 142 also provides a cover 150 that partially
surrounds lower cushion 120 as shown in FIG. 9. Outer wall 142
includes a top wall 152 welded to each baffle 146, a perimeter side
wall 154 integral with top wall 152, and a bottom wall 156 integral
with side wall 154 as shown, for example, in FIG. 9. Top, side, and
bottom walls 152, 154, 156 define an interior region 160 of cover
150 in which lower cushion 128 is positioned during use of mattress
section 112. Bladder 148 also includes top wall 152 and a bottom
wall 158 welded to top wall 152. Thus, bladder 148 and cover 150
share common top wall 152.
[0050] Side wall 154 includes first, second, third, and fourth
panels 162, 164, 166, 168. First and third panels 162, 166 are
integral with top wall 152 and bottom wall 156, as shown for
example in FIG. 9. Second and fourth panels 164, 168 are welded to
top wall 152 and are also integral with bottom wall 156. Second and
fourth panels 164, 168 also weld to first and third panels 162, 166
to define corners 169 of sidewall 154.
[0051] Bottom wall 156 of cover 150 includes first, second, third,
and fourth flaps 170, 172, 174, 176. First and third flaps 170, 174
are integral with respective first and third panels 162, 166 as
shown in FIG. 9. Second and fourth flaps 172, 176 are integral with
respective second and fourth panels 164, 168. Second and fourth
flaps 172, 176 are welded to first and third flaps 170, 174 to
define corner seams 177 of bottom wall 156. Thus, in the
illustrated embodiment, first flap 170, first panel 162, top wall
152, third panel 166, and third flap 174 are formed from a uniform
piece of material. According to the presently preferred embodiment,
this material is made of a non-woven plastics material having a
cotton-like feel sold under the brand name Securon.
[0052] First, second, third, and fourth flaps 170, 172, 174, 176
each include an edge 178 defining an opening 180 in bottom wall
146. Fasteners 136 are spaced apart from edges 178 and extend
through opening 180 to couple lower cushion 120 to deck panel 116.
A caregiver slides lower cushion 120 through opening 180 to insert
lower cushion 120 into sleep surface 122. Similarly, lower cushion
120 is removed from sleep surface 122 by pulling lower cushion
through opening 180. Thus, sleep surface 122 provides a combination
inflatable cushion and cover that provides support to a patient
positioned thereon and protection to lower cushion 120 and is
disposable. Lower cushion 120 provides a reusable patient
support.
[0053] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the
foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain
the essential characteristics of the present invention and various
changes and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and
characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *